Crazy Bear Hot Air Balloon

They don’t even deserve 1 star! For a brilliant hotel chain to put their name to this is a terrible marketing decision. The staff of the balloon experience are rude, they don’t reply to emails ever, trying to get a hold of somebody over the telephone is impossible, and when you do and you ask to speak to a manager there supposedly isn’t a manager. For anyone thinking of purchasing this, DON’T! Save your money and do something else. They don’t take into account that people are travelling from all over the country to try and get on this, so when they cancel numerous times with minimal pre-warning, they don’t even apologise for the inconvenience.

Avoid at all costs, hot air balloon scammerWe booked a hot air balloon ride through virgin experiences and it was possibly the worst customer experience we have ever had. Read on for the full facts on how this company is scamming customers with a less than 20% flight launch rate. If you have a hot air balloon ride with them booked, get your money back asap because you are 80% likely to NOT go!When we booked back in March 2023 we were told by virgin we needed to call at least 8 weeks beforehand to book, the only date that Crazy Bear had available was October 2023. So we booked it knowing that occasionally the weather would result in a cancellation.As it got closer to the time we started to come across other negative reviews, constant cancellations all year long with ridiculous excuses. One person had their flight cancelled due to the coronation... apparently all flights got cancelled that day but noone was told this would happen until the morning so Crazy Bear didn't inform customers until the day. What a lie. All flights were not cancelled and flight notice given for the Kings fly over was not on the day.We decided to contact Crazy Bear and ask why there were so many reviews saying the flights had been cancelled. The information they then sent us was shocking.60 Scheduled April, May ,June. 10 went aheadJuly terrible weather for ballooning 32 Scheduled only 2 went ahead.Upped our scheduling in August to 45 and did 11.Done 14 in September.1 so far in October (as of October 5th 2023)As you can see the success rate of flights is appalling.Crazy Bear tried to claim that 2023 was just a blip and a bad flight year. So we asked for evidence that they had more success last year. They replied that this is the first year they have had hot air balloon rides. So not a blip then this is their standard.The phone line you call the message relays ridiculous excuses for cancellations.We eventually got our money back via virgin after a long process of starting legal action via MCOL.Avoid.avoid.avoid.They are still selling these vouchers despite all the cancellations, dishonest and scamming money from customers without telling the truth about how much they cancel the rides and how long it will take you to get booked onto another flight (which will probably get cancelled again!)

It seems that most reviews here are from those who had bad luck with the weather and therefore had their flight cancelled/postponed.I was lucky enough to ride on the sunset flight during the September heatwave and had a thrilling time.Arrival is good with tea, coffee and croissants in the gardens.The safety briefing is clear and concise and within 30 minutes the balloon is blown up and the flight begins.The ride itself is great and a really incredible experience, I recommend brining binoculars!The most unfortunate part though is that you don’t actually see sunset at all despite it being a sunset flight. We landed at 6:40pm while sunset is at 7:45pm. I understand that this is because they can’t pack away the balloon in the dark but this should be clearly communicated before buying!Finally, the return to the hotel is also great with a cold drink ready waiting and unlimited time to explore the most spectacular night garden.Overall, a fabulous evening that I highly recommend.Also, book with Virgin experience days for a better price (student discount also available!)

If you are willing to lose your money, feel free and book this.I booked this for a special occasion and I received no information regarding this I called on the day and they said it’s cancelled (via automated system) we then rebooked a few days later.Same thing happened the next time it was booked for and they refuse to give you a refund and instead say this is valid for 2 years.Not worth it I do not recommend this for anyone as it’s pretty much just a scam

Booked a flight for my Dad's 90th Birthday back in April, it has now been cancelled more times than I can remember, often with only a few hours notice. Not sure if we will now get a flight this year. I wonder if it actually ever flies!

AVOID! AVOID! AVOID! Before you regret!Avoid this company at all cost. Booked for hot air balloon for special occasion back in May its been cancelled 4 times and not givebthe refund. Its now end of July, the flight was cancelled again. They would not give you enough notice. Can cancel on the day when you arrived. Don't waste booking here. Terrible customer service from staff, pilot and general manager. Would not give refund at all cost due to there policy. I only found out that it was non refundable after I paid the booking last May. Coming up to 3 months booking always been cancelled.AVOID AVOID AVOID

Would not recommend. I wouldn’t even rate 1 star! Our Hot Air Balloon Flight has been cancelled on 3 separate occasions now. The team are also very difficult to get in contact with and quite frankly are very rude. Avoid!!!

Awful experience please don't touch this company. No communication etc turned up so early and noone was there and no communication. I've just lost my father. They refuse to give money bk etc. Gone to credit company etc. When I'm finished il be taking them to social media trading standards and papers. If anyone wants to join me im on facebook. Awful service and scam.x

Terrible service ! Don't book with these guys ,I made a booking with them 4 months ago for my Mom and she still hasn't been on her trip yet and it's always due to weather! I understand its plays a role but they're taking the piss with it now your in England a perfect daydoesn't come round often at all and I feel like you should be able to fly considering you're supposed to be professionals but it seems that's not the case. It's impossible to get your money back so don't ever bother with them if your thinking about it !